Durham County Disaster Risk
Durham County, North Carolina
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 100 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Durham County, North Carolina
Durham ranks among highest-risk U.S. counties
Durham County's composite score of 89.63 far exceeds the national average of 50, reflecting intense exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards. The "Relatively Moderate" rating belies the county's extreme vulnerability to tornadoes and flooding—individual hazards that rival the worst in the nation.
Third-highest overall risk in North Carolina
Durham's 89.63 score ranks it among the state's most disaster-exposed counties, trailing only Craven (93.58) and Dare (89.60) among North Carolina's 100. The county sits more than 20 points above the state average of 66.72.
Durham's risk rivals state's highest-risk counties
Durham (89.63) closely matches Dare County (89.60) and nearly equals Craven County (93.58) in composite score, while far exceeding lower-risk Piedmont counties like Davie (41.67). The county's Piedmont location gives it higher tornado exposure than coastal peers, offsetting their hurricane advantage.
Tornadoes and floods dominate Durham's threats
Tornado risk at 93.48—among the highest in the nation—makes Durham one of America's most tornado-prone urban areas, while flood risk at 92.43 reflects the county's river systems and intense rainfall vulnerability. Earthquake risk at 81.87 adds a regional seismic component that elevates Durham above most Piedmont counties.
Storm shelter and flood insurance non-negotiable
Durham residents must prioritize a designated storm shelter—whether a basement safe room or reinforced interior space—to protect against extreme tornado exposure. Flood insurance is essential for properties in or near identified flood zones; all residents should maintain robust homeowners coverage and a practiced evacuation plan.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Durham County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Durham County
Risk Verdict
Durham County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 90th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Durham County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Durham County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (89th percentile), earthquake (82th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Durham County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 93th percentile nationally. In Durham County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 92th percentile nationally means Durham County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Durham County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Durham County households.
Regional Context
Durham County falls 22.9 points above North Carolina's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Durham County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Durham County, NC?
What types of natural hazards affect Durham County?
How does Durham County risk compare to the North Carolina average?
Is Durham County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Durham County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.